A Clinical Nurse Leader based on Hawkins ward has been shortlisted for a top award within the learning disability and autism sector.

Phil Labrum, who is based at St Andrew’s Healthcare, Northampton, is through to the next round of the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards after he was shortlisted for the Learning Disability Nurse Award.

He was nominated by his colleague Jennifer Mytton who wanted his work to be officially recognised by the prestigious awards programme.

Jennifer, who is a Specialist Nurse, said: “Phil always goes above and beyond for his work colleagues and of course his patients. His commitment and dedication is second to none and I wanted him to know how much we all appreciate everything he does.

“The award celebrates excellence and those who excel in providing quality care and that is Phil all over. I’m so proud to work with him and I hope the judges recognise what we all see on a daily basis.”

Judging for the award will take place virtually on September 29 and 30 when Phil takes part in an interview with the panel.

 Phil said: “This really was a surprise and actually not something I was expecting at all. I come to work and I do the best that I can for my patients. But it is an honour to know that your colleagues think so much about your work that they nominate you for a national award.

 “Now I’ve got to prepare myself to meet the judging panel, but even if I don’t win, it has been wonderful to be recognised in this way.”

The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards provides people working in the sector with the opportunity to celebrate their successes and the positive impact they have on people’s lives.

Organised by Care Talk the awards are supported by the Department of Health, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG). The media partner is Care Talk magazine, which has a readership of 24,000 plus and includes all registered care providers in England.

There are a total of 17 award categories available for nomination, which represent all areas of care for people with learning disabilities and autism within the care sector, whether it be young or older people, supporting people in their own homes, the residential care sector or the voluntary sectors. The awards recognise everyone from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways, such as training and innovation.

For more information about the award, click here.